Chelsea captain expected to return for London derby

John Terry is likely to make his return to first team football against Tottenham on Monday night.

Chelsea have been given a defensive boost ahead of Monday's London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, with captain John Terry set to return from a spell on the sidelines.

Guus Hiddink will be delighted to welcome his captain back to the starting eleven if Terry does prove fit, especially ahead of such a storied rivalry.

Mr Chelsea injured in February

The 35-year old picked up the initial Achilles injury in February and has struggled to recover since then but is likely to return on Monday as Chelsea welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge. The North London club haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 1990 and no one knows the importance of this fixture more than Mr. Chelsea himself.

Terry's return will be a huge relief for the Blues, who are already without their young centre-back Kurt Zouma for the season. Gary Cahill has struggled with fitness as of late, meaning Matt Miazga, John Obi Mikel and Branislav Ivanovic have all played in the heart of the Chelsea defence in recent weeks.

With the captain coming back, the entire team also get a boost as Terry's experience and leadership is necessary after such a torrid season. The Chelsea players also know that a loss for Tottenham on Monday will see the title go the way of Leicester City, adding some fuel to the fire for Terry and the rest of the squad.

Terry's future

It's important that Terry returns to fitness and plays in the three remaining games of the Premier League season, especially with his future at the club still in doubt. There have been rumours of a contract extension at the end of the season for the captain but as of right now, it looks as though John Terry has three games left in his Chelsea career.

A win over one of Chelsea's biggest rivals and a good performance from Terry may just twist the arm of the club's hierarchy.